Red Sox blood drive sets New England record
American Red Cross, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center team up with City of Boston; Citizens donate 964 units of blood

BOSTON -- The second annual Red Sox Blood Drive commemorating the heroes and victims of September, 11, 2001 more than doubled last year's total and set a new mark for blood donation in the New England Region of the American Red Cross.

Citizens donated a record 964 units of blood at the event, presented at Fenway Park by the Red Sox, the Red Cross, and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, together with the City of Boston. More than 4,000 people attended the event, which ran from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m.

The previous New England record was 520 units, donated at the M*A*S*H Blood Drive presented by the Air National Guard in Nashua, NH, in the summer of 2003.

The inaugural event at Fenway last year, also on September 11, drew 1,843 people and generated 403 units.

"This is the most incredible day for the Red Cross staff and for me personally," said Dr. Mary O'Neill, CEO of American Red Cross Services - New England Region. "We never thought we could collect this much blood for people in need. We are grateful to the Boston Red Sox family, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, and the City of Boston for making this fitting tribute possible.

One unit of blood can serve up to three people, meaning the number of patients who can benefit can be more than 2,800.

"This response is overwhelming," said Dr. Charles Steinberg, the Red Sox' Executive Vice-President/Public Affairs. "So many came together in a display of compassion and unity. We are grateful to Mayor Menino and to Boston's police, fire, and emergency medical services departments. They joined the Red Sox, the Red Cross, and BID to produce a day of remembrance that will long be remembered.

"John Henry, Tom Werner, and Larry Lucchino understand that Fenway Park can play a meaningful role as a community gathering place, and the 4,210 people who visited Fenway today demonstrated that belief once again."

Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino launched the drive this morning at 11 a.m. CBS4 news anchor Lisa Hughes donated the "Ceremonial First Pint." Red Sox personnel, such as President/CEO Larry Lucchino and former players Jim Corsi, Dick Berardino, and Billy Conigliaro spent the afternoon meeting fans, signing autographs, and answering questions. Kathryn Nixon, wife of outfielder Trot Nixon, also spent time with fans as their son, Chase, who was born on 9/11/01, celebrated his 3rd birthday.

kittle42

09-13-2004, 12:56 PM

In related news, the White Sox are on pace to set the record for midwest blood donations. They have been bleeding for almost two months.

doublem23

09-13-2004, 01:00 PM

In related news, the White Sox are on pace to set the record for midwest blood donations. They have been bleeding for almost two months.
:)